Former E.U.P. man facing sex charges in federal court

A former Kincheloe resident is facing serious sex crime charges in federal court, according to press release issued early today by U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles.

Tommy A. Cain, 61, has been charged with five counts of sexual abuse by threat, one count of abusive sexual contact by threat and six counts of sexual abuse of a minor. The indictment alleges the former Kincheloe resident engaged in sexual acts with a minor victim over a four-year period beginning in 2007 on trust lands of the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Cain was arrested in Battle Creek. After his initial appearance in federal court, he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending a hearing next week to determine if he will be eligible for bond, according to Miles.

The charges stem from a joint investigation between the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

If convicted, the sexual abuse by threat counts each carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The lone count of abusive sexual contact by threat carries a maximum sentence of three years, while the six counts of sexual abuse of a minor carry maximum sentences of 15 years, wrote Miles.

Assistant Attorney Hannah N. Bobee is prosecuting the case.

Investigators are continuing to compile evidence related to this case and urge anyone with information regarding this matter to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.

The charges in an indictment, Miles noted, are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.